Just like literally laying a good foundation helps, also making sure you lay a good foundation of planning for your log cabin kit will put you on solid footing. If you make sure to follow these three steps when starting to plan for your log home, you will find the project will go much more smoothly.

1. You don’t need to go with the first log home company you talk to. Purchasing a log cabin is a major investment and you should shop carefully. Whether you meet the company at a home show or through an advertisement, interview the company just like you would if you were hiring someone. Get a feel for the company and interview at least one or two more to make sure you are not only getting a good company but are getting the best for your needs.

2. Since this is like a job interview, don’t be shy about asking for three references. If you feel too intimidated with a company to ask for references, that might not be the best company for you. Log cabin kit companies are asked that all the time so don’t be afraid to do so. If they give you older references from a few years back, ask for more recent ones. If they can’t give you recent ones, that should send up some caution flags.

3. Determine the degree of involvement you want in building your dream cabin. Do you want a complete do-it-yourself log cabin kit or do you want a company who can provide or recommend a builder to help or to handle some or all of it? Make sure you and the log cabin kit company spell this out in great detail before starting or there might be some major misunderstandings to work through as you progress. It is important that you have the level of support that you need but that you also have the ability to tackle some of the project yourself if you want to. Making sure that is clear from the beginning will save you from uncomfortable discussions when the construction is underway.

Make sure you are not blinded by the dream of your log cabin. Establish the ground rules before you start and spell those out with the log cabin kit company so there are no surprises later. If you articulate your ideas with the log cabin company, they will appreciate your focus on the importance of planning out a sound strategy from the beginning. And you will look back at the building process with great fondness for the rewarding event.

Authors Jim & Cindy Smith built their dream vacation log cabin using a do-it-yourself log cabin kit. Now they welcome aspiring log home builders to visit their website filled with tips and articles for those wanting their own do-it-yourself log home kit experience.